Planning to File on April 15? Don't Make These Last-Minute Mistakes

If you are planning to file your federal tax return on April 15, you are not alone. Many taxpayers wait until the last minute to file—whether they are simply procrastinating or they are holding onto their funds for as long as possible. In either scenario, it is important to avoid last-minute filing mistakes that have the potential to trigger IRS scrutiny. Learn more from New Jersey tax attorney Kevin E. Thorn, Managing Partner of Thorn Law Group.

IRS Provides Tips for Avoiding Last-Minute Filing Mistakes in 2025

The IRS recently published a News Release with some tips for avoiding last-minute filing mistakes in 2025. While far from comprehensive, the IRS’ News Release addresses some all-too-common mistakes that can raise red flags—and potentially lead to an IRS audit. For example:

Omitting Basic (But Necessary) Information

Omitting basic information can raise questions about what else might be missing from your federal return. This includes not only omitting information about income or exemptions, but also omitting things like your birth date, Social Security number, date of submission, or signature. Generally speaking, the more simple mistakes you make, the more likely it is that the IRS will take a closer look.

Committing Math Errors

While it is easy to commit math errors when preparing your federal returns, the IRS makes clear that this is not an excuse for underreporting (or underpaying) your federal income tax liability. Even if you rely on tax software (or a tax professional), you are ultimately responsible for ensuring that you accurately report the amount you owe.

Incorrectly Answering the “Digital Assets Question”

All taxpayers must answer the “digital assets question” that the IRS added to Form 1040 in 2023. If you incorrectly answer the question—and if the IRS receives conflicting information from a bank, broker, or cryptocurrency exchange—this has a strong chance of triggering an audit.

Failing to Report Taxable Income

U.S. taxpayers must report their worldwide income from all sources when preparing their federal returns. Even if you haven’t received a W-2 or Form 1099, it is still up to you to make sure you accurately report how much income you have received and how much income tax you owe.

Failing to Request an Extension if Necessary

If you do not have all of the information you need to accurately prepare your federal return (or if you run out of time to get the tax advice you need), you may need to request an extension. Requesting an extension can help you avoid penalties (but generally not interest), and it can also help you avoid triggering scrutiny from the IRS.

Request a Confidential Consultation with New Jersey Tax Attorney Kevin E. Thorn

Are you concerned about the possibility of facing an IRS audit (or are you already facing an audit due to a last-minute filing mistake)? If so, we invite you to get in touch with us. To request a confidential consultation with New Jersey tax attorney Kevin E. Thorn, Managing Partner of Thorn Law Group, please call 201-842-7696 or contact us confidentially online today.